Humanistic Psychology PDF

Humanist Psychology HSP3U Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) American Psychologist Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier...

Humanist Psychology HSP3U Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) American Psychologist Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs, depicted as hierarchical levels within a pyramid. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Maslow’s Heirarchy of Needs It arranges needs in ascending order with biological needs at the bottom and social and personal needs at the top. Only when needs at a lower level are met can we advance to the next level. Maslow’s Heirarchy of Needs Deficiency needs are physiological needs (food, sleep) and psychological needs (safety, love, esteem) that we try to fulfill if they are not met. Growth needs are those at the higher levels and include the desire for truth, goodness, beauty and justice. Maslow’s Heirarchy of Needs According to Maslow, we must satisfy our deficiency needs before having the time and energy to satisfy our growth needs and move toward self-actualization. Self-actualization: refers to the development and fulfillment of one’s unique human potential Characteristics of Self-Actualized Individuals They perceive reality accurately. They are independent and autonomous. They prefer to have a deep, loving relationship with only a few people. They focus on accomplishing their goals. They report peak experiences, which are moments of great joy and satisfaction.  Carl Rogers’ Person-Centered Perspective He believed that people are basically good and are endowed with self- actualizing tendencies. He also believed that people nurture our growth by being genuine-by being open with their own feelings, dropping their facades, and being transparent and self- disclosing. Carl Rogers’ Person-Centered Perspective People nurture our growth by being accepting-by offering us what Rogers called unconditional positive regard. Unconditional positive regard: an attitude of total acceptance toward another person Carl Rogers’ Person-Centered Perspective Finally, people nurture our growth by being empathetic-by sharing and mirroring our feelings and reflecting our meanings. Carl Rogers’ Person-Centered Perspective Rogers believed that genuineness, acceptance, and empathy nurture growth in all our relationships.  Self-Concept- Who am I? Carl Rogers defined self-concept as the organized, consistent set of perceptions and beliefs about oneself. It includes three components: 1. Self-image: How you see yourself, which might include physical descriptions, social roles, and personality traits. 2. Self-esteem: How much value you place on yourself, which can be positive or negative. 3. Ideal self: The person you would like to be, which can influence your self-esteem and self-image.  Positive vs. Negative Self-Concept Positive Self-Concept: When individuals have a positive self-concept, they generally feel good about themselves and their abilities. They are more likely to have high self-esteem, be confident, and approach challenges with a constructive mindset. Negative Self-Concept: Conversely, a negative self-concept can lead to low self-esteem, self- doubt, and a tendency to view oneself and one's abilities in a critical light. This can result in a lack of confidence and a more pessimistic outlook on life.  Self-Concept How do they test? Interviews or Roger’s Questionnaire Interviews: Rogers often used non-directive interviews, where the client leads the conversation. This method allows individuals to express their thoughts and feelings freely, providing insights into their self-concept. Roger’s Questionnaire: One of the tools developed by Rogers is the Q-Sort technique. This involves individuals sorting a series of statements about themselves into categories that range from "most like me" to "least like me." This helps in assessing the congruence between the self-image and the ideal self.  Carl Rogers and Humanistic Psychologists Humanistic psychology helped to renew psychology’s interest in the self. Perhaps one more reason that the message has been so well received is that its emphasis on the individual self-reflects and reinforces western cultural values.  Criticisms of the Humanistic Perspective Nevertheless, its critics have complained that humanistic psychology’s concepts were vague and subjective, its values individualist and self- centered, and its assumptions naively optimistic. Humanistic psychologists have countered that secure, non-defensive self-acceptance is actually the first step toward loving others. People who feel intrinsically liked and accepted exhibit less defensive attitudes.  Criticisms of the Humanistic Perspective Critics also emphasize that the perspective leaves out those “evil” personalities. Rogers claimed that evil springs not from human nature but from toxic cultural influences.